Forward Momentum on Pay Raise and Remembering Those Lost

App-based drivers made an additional $56 million in the first two months of the pay raise and are owed $500,000 more according to new data released by the city’s Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC). The TLC has made clear that app companies will be required to pay back-pay to drivers who were paid less than the minimum pay floor – or face serious consequences. Independent Drivers Guild (IDG) members spoke out at the Commission’s meeting calling for the apps to pay drivers what they are due without delay.

If you notice a problem with your pay, please continue to report it to the TLC’s driver protection unit at driverprotection@tlc.nyc.gov.

Each year at the end of April, workers and worker safety advocates mark Workers Memorial Day to remember those hardworking men and women killed on the job and to call for greater worker safety protections. This year, we were honored to join the AFL-CIO’s New York City Central Labor Council to commemorate the somber occasion and honor our fallen members and all workers killed in NYC this year.

Local workers, labor leaders, clergy and community members gathered on the corner of 8th Avenue and 23rd Street, near the site where an Uber driver – 45-year-old Bing Wan – was killed in a hit-and-run in October. Bing Wan was a hardworking driver and beloved father struck down before his time.

We have mourned the loss of too many For-Hire Vehicle (FHV) drivers in the last two years – whether they were struck down by reckless drivers, like Wan, stabbed to death like Ganiou Gandonou, or they tragically took their own lives, like Guild members Doug Schifter, Fausto Luna and Lu Wu. In their memories, we will continue fighting to improve safety and working conditions and support the health and wellness of FHV drivers, and all workers who serve our city.

Our Wellness program has its official launch event this month and we invite all drivers to get involved in our weekly discussion circles and learn more about the counseling, classes and other services we are making available to our community through this program. Learn more at https://drivingguild.org/wellness/.

Brendan Sexton is Executive Director of the Independent Drivers Guild.

Article by Black Car News

Black Car News provides breaking news, editorial, and information to drivers, owners, and other key players in the New York City for-hire vehicle industry.